Scientia Pharmaceutica 

About: Scientia Pharmaceutica is an academic journal published by Österreichische Apotheker-Verlagsgesellschaft m. b. H.. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Chemistry & Medicine. It has an ISSN identifier of 0036-8709. It is also open access. Over the lifetime, 1420 publications have been published receiving 17712 citations. The journal is also known as: Pharmazeutische Presse. Beilage & Oesterreichische Apotheker Zeitung. Beilage.

Oleuropein in olive and its pharmacological effects

Abstract: Olive from Olea europaea is native to the Mediterranean region and, both the oil and the fruit are some of the main components of the Mediterranean diet. The main active constituents of olive oil include oleic acid, phenolic constituents, and squalene. The main phenolic compounds, hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein, give extra-virgin olive oil its bitter, pungent taste. The present review focuses on recent works that have analyzed the relationship between the major phenolic compound oleuropein and its pharmacological activities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherogenic, anti-cancer activities, antimicrobial activity, antiviral activity, hypolipidemic and hypoglycemic effect.

Cyclodextrins as Drug Carrier Molecule: A Review

Abstract: The cyclodextrins have a wide range of applications in different areas of drug delivery and pharmaceutical industry due to their complexation ability and other versatile characteristics. The most common pharmaceutical application of cyclodextrin is to enhance the solubility, stability, safety and bioavailability of drug molecules. The purpose of this review is to discuss and summarize some of the findings and applications of cyclodextrin (CD) and their derivatives in different areas of drug delivery. This article highlights the molecular structure, properties like complexation, solubility etc. of cyclodextrins and focuses on its use for parenteral, oral, ophthalmic and nasal drug delivery. Other routes including dermal, rectal, sublingual and pulmonary delivery are also briefly addressed. The objective of this contribution is to focus on the potential use of chemically modified cyclodextrins as high-performance drug carriers in drug delivery systems with emphasis on the more recent developments. Thus cyclodextrins, because of their continuing ability to find several novel applications in drug delivery, are expected to solve many problems associated with the delivery of different novel drugs through different delivery routes.

Microparticles, Microspheres, and Microcapsules for Advanced Drug Delivery

Abstract: Microparticles, microspheres, and microcapsules are widely used constituents of multiparticulate drug delivery systems, offering both therapeutic and technological advantages. Microparticles are generally in the 1–1000 µm size range, serve as multiunit drug delivery systems with well-defined physiological and pharmacokinetic benefits in order to improve the effectiveness, tolerability, and patient compliance. This paper reviews their evolution, significance, and formulation factors (excipients and procedures), as well as their most important practical applications (inhaled insulin, liposomal preparations). The article presents the most important structures of microparticles (microspheres, microcapsules, coated pellets, etc.), interpreted with microscopic images too. The most significant production processes (spray drying, extrusion, coacervation, freeze-drying, microfluidics), the drug release mechanisms, and the commonly used excipients, the characterization, and the novel drug delivery systems (microbubbles, microsponges), as well as the preparations used in therapy are discussed in detail.

Effect of Prolonged Vigabatrin Treatment on Hematological and Biochemical Parameters in Plasma, Liver and Kidney of Swiss Albino Mice

Abstract: We have evaluated vigabatrin (γ-vinyl γ-aminobutyric acid), an irreversible inhibitor of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-transaminase responsible for GABA degradation, for its effects on food consumption, body weight changes, fluid intake, changes in hematological and biochemical parameters in plasma liver and kidney of Swiss albino mice. Mice received vigabatrin 0.26% wlv chronically in drinking water for 7, 14 and 21 days. Changes in all the parameters were recorded aRer 7, 14 and 21 days respectively in different groups. Food consumption was comparable to the control group with minor fluctuations. The body weight declined significantly but only after 3-week treatment with no appreciable change in organ indices or relative organ indices. There were essentially no adverse effects on hematological parameters (RBC, WBC, HGB, neutrophils, eosinophils, monocytes, lymphocytes and basophils) with this treatment. However, there was a decrease in monocyte counts during the first week and an increase in the neutrophil counts during the third week of vigabatrin treatment. In one part plasma biochemical parameters like AST, ALT, CK-MB, creatinine, glucose and urea were also assessed with the same dose regimen. It was observed that only CK-MB and GPT activity levels were altered slightly significantly and are thought to be a result of cross enzyme inhibitions. In this experiment it was observed that lipid peroxide levels measured, as malondialdehyde did not change appreciably in both liver and kidney tissues. However, the levels of glutathione (non-protein sulfhydryl; GSH) declined significantly in comparison to control in liver and kidney. A comparison of level of GSH in liver and kidney shows that this depletion was at early time points in the former. The depletion of GSH suggests the possible involvement of GSH in detoxification process and corroborates its role in protection.

Antiproliferative activity of plant extracts used against cancer in traditional medicine

Abstract: Forty four extracts from sixteen plants used traditionally as anticancer agents were evaluated in vitro for their antiproliferative activity against Hep-2, MCF-7, and Vero cell lines. Plants were fractionated using ethanol, methanol, chloroform, n-hexane, distilled water, and butanol. The antiproliferative activity was measured by MTT assay. TLC was used to identify active fractions. The apoptotic activity of active fractions was determined using TUNEL colorimetric assay. 20 of these extracts demonstrated significant antiproliferative activity against one or more of the cell lines. These extracts were prepared from Ononis hirta, Inula viscosa, Salvia pinardi, Verbascum sinaiticum and Ononis sicula. Methanol fractions of Ononis hirta (aerial parts) and Inula viscosa (flowers) were the most active fractions against MCF-7 cells with IC50 of 27.96 and 15.78 μg/ml respectively and they were less toxic against other cell lines. Other extracts showed lower activity against cancer cell lines. TLC analysis showed the presence of flavonoids and terpenoids in active plants while alkaloids were detected in Ononis hirta (aerial parts) extracts. Ononis hirta (aerial parts) and Inula viscosa (flowers) extracts exerted their antiproliferative activity by inducing apoptosis in cancer cell lines. Further studies are necessary for detailed chemical characterization and more extensive biological evaluation of the most active ingredients.